Fans clashed with police in The Hague and celebrated in Casablanca after Morocco eliminated the Netherlands from the World Cup on penalties. This defeat marks the Netherlands’ earliest exit from the tournament.
The Moroccan community in the Netherlands celebrated their team’s victory even as sporadic clashes occurred. Police reported heavy fireworks and stones thrown at officers in the Schilderswijk district of The Hague. Riot police intervened with water cannons to disperse the crowd. “A few individuals have been arrested for committing open violence,” police stated.
In Casablanca, as the penalty shootout ended, a coffee shop filled with fans erupted in cheers when Ismael Saibari scored the decisive goal. Celebrations spilled onto the streets, with fireworks and flares lighting up the sky while car horns echoed through the city.
Despite the late kickoff and a looming workday, fans gathered on a main boulevard in Casablanca early on Tuesday, chanting and waving Moroccan flags. The festive crowd was already looking forward to their next match against co-host Canada, scheduled for Saturday.
Morocco moves forward with high hopes after previously defeating Canada 2-1 in the 2022 World Cup group stage. Supporters are eager for another historic performance, recalling Morocco’s groundbreaking World Cup run four years ago as the first African nation to reach the semifinals.
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